Arrival in Rome (Day 1 & 2)

We left on Friday, May 13 and although there were a few tears (from me)we were pretty excited to start the trip. We had a nonstop flight to Rome and we actually got exit row! Things were looking good already...we thought we were flying Delta but it turned out to be Alitalia...not so great. Flight was long, the plane was very old, uncomfortable and the service poor but we didn't care. We were on our way! When we arrived we couldn't check in and decided to start exploring and hop on a double decker bus to get a quick overview. It was terrible. So crowded, so hot and so so long. However...we were still excited and Chad was alternating between falling asleep and snapping pics...

First view of the Spanish Steps (our hotel wasn't far from here).

Third photo of the trip....TOILETS!!

Beautiful architecture.

Piazza Venezia & Victor Emmanuel Monument

Busy...yet beautiful streets.

View of Via Condotti (high end shopping street) from top of Spanish Steps. Trevi FountainBuilt in 1762 it is completely powered by aqueducts.
Legend says to toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure your return to Rome. First glimpse of the Pantheon-built in 120 A.D.
Front inscription on Pantheon.Love the contrast---old Roman pillars against a "modern" building.Approaching Piazza Navona--full of street performers, sidewalk cafes and fountains. Dinner...first real taste of good Italian mozzarella, pasta and wine!
Campo de' Fiori...obviously, where the nightlife is. :) We did a "night walk across Rome" to see all the sights lit up at night.
Checking the temps in the constant flowing fresh water fountains.
The dome of the Pantheon is mathematical perfection - as high as it is wide. 142 feet from floor to rooftop and from side to side. The concrete gets lighter and thinner as it reaches the top. The open circle on top is the only light source and is 30 feet wide.
Holds famous tombs - including artist Rafael.
The pillars are deceivingly huge--see the comparison? They are 40 feet high made of single pieces of granite from Egypt.
Oh Trevi Fountain...how I love you.
So gorgeous at night.
And all of this on just day one....